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Former Comox Valley MLA Gillespie backing Dix' leadership bid

Former Comox Valley MLA and cabinet minister Evelyn Gillespie and labour leader Anne Davis declared their support Monday for Adrian Dix as the next leader of the B.C. NDP.

“Adrian Dix has shown a rare ability to articulate NDP values clearly and persuasively, appealing to both party members and British Columbians in general,” said Gillespie. “He can win an election against Christy Clark because British Columbians will see the contrast between his considered, idea-driven policies and her chaotic, shoot-from-the-hip approach to politics.

“Time after time, I have witnessed Adrian’s profound sense of empathy drive him to affect the lives of others for the better,” added Gillespie in a news release. “He has a vision of a fairer British Columbia and the road map to get us there.”

“Adrian Dix has been a tireless and effective advocate for the workers, women and children who have borne the brunt of increasing inequality under the B.C. Liberals,” said Davis. “Now he is showing that he has the leadership and the practical policy solutions to undo the damage done in the past 10 years.”

“Adrian is committed to restoring full collective bargaining rights to healthcare workers, teachers and other workers and to bring balance to the Labour Relations Board, as well as enforcing employment standards,” said Davis, who also works in an organization providing services to abused and homeless women and their children. “I am also very excited by his commitment to the creation of a provincial child care system and to increased social housing, which will be a huge help in reducing poverty levels in B.C.”

Dix welcomed Davis and Gillespie’s endorsement and thanked them for their ongoing commitment to shared NDP values.

“Anne and Evelyn have been leaders in the North Island, advocating for a better British Columbia that treats everyone with fairness and offers opportunity for all,” said Dix. They are both powerful voices in the fight for greater equality and opportunity in B.C. and against the B.C. Liberals’ approach of rewarding the few at the expense of the many.”

Dix has visited the Comox Valley twice during the recent campaign to choose a new provincial NDP leader.

“The party needs to provide a distinct alternative to the Christy Clark-led B.C. Liberals. British Columbians share NDP values — I am the candidate who is translating these values into a workable, substantive plan for our members and the people of this province,” said Dix.

The party will choose Dix, Mike Farnworth, John Horgan, Nicholas Simons or Dana Larsen on April 17 to replace Carole James.

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